"All political parties do so,'' he said."I know that we have very closely followed all of those federal rules to ensure that we do things that uphold the highest standards.''

Lobbying commissioner Karen Shepherd said Thursday she has launched an investigation after receiving a complaint from advocacy group Democracy Watch.

That complaint was about Barry Sherman, chairman of generic drug giant Apotex, selling tickets to a $500-a-head fundraiser early next month in Toronto featuring Morneau.

When lobbyists participate in fundraising efforts that could potentially create a conflict of interest for ministers that can make them feel a "sense of obligation,'' which would make it a violation of the Lobbying Code of Conduct, Shepherd said.

"I know that we have very closely followed all of those federal rules to ensure that we do things that uphold the highest standards.''— Finance Minister Bill Morneau

Shepherd will also look at media reports of other fundraisers that involved ministers, including a $1,500-a-head fundraiser in Halifax that also featured Morneau, and whether lobbyists were in attendance or involved in selling tickets or organizing the event.